Graham Arnold, the Australian coach of Iraq's national football team, is confident his squad can shock the world at the 2026 World Cup after a tumultuous qualification campaign. 'It's been an experience,' Arnold says of the 28-month journey that included 21 games, four rounds, a 117th-minute penalty, and a playoff, all while contending with war, extreme heat, and logistical nightmares.
A grueling path to the World Cup
Arnold took over Iraq in May 2025, just months after resigning as Australia coach. Despite warnings from family and friends about the dangers in Iraq, he accepted the challenge. 'I'm a football nut, I just love coaching,' he explains. The team faced numerous obstacles, including a 50C heat, social media bans, and a playoff in Mexico after a dramatic late penalty. The journey was further complicated by war, with Arnold stranded in Dubai and his team trapped in Baghdad amid airstrikes.
Building belief and unity
Arnold focused on psychology and team culture, banning social media and fostering a family atmosphere. He lived in Baghdad for eight months to understand the players' culture, adjusting training schedules to account for heat and prayer times. He also addressed language barriers by splitting the field into English-speaking and Arabic-speaking sides. 'I saw 26 players obsessed with their telephones, so I banned social media,' he says. 'They've realised social media is full of lies and negativity.'
Overcoming adversity
The team's path to the World Cup was fraught with challenges, including a 1-1 draw with the UAE in November 2025 and a dramatic playoff against Bolivia. The winning goal scorer, Aymen Hussein, was detained by the FBI at O'Hare Airport, and the referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the US. Despite these setbacks, Arnold remains optimistic. 'Everything's fine now,' he says. 'It's sad, but these things happen.'
Looking ahead to the World Cup
Iraq faces a tough group with Norway, France, and Senegal, but Arnold sees it as an opportunity. 'People say Group of Death, but it's the Group of Excitement,' he says. 'We have absolutely no pressure because everybody expects us to lose all three games. The most important thing is that we're brave, play with energy and excitement.' Arnold believes his team can shock the world. 'I'm big on making them believe we're capable of doing something that will shock the world, and I truly believe it will happen.'
